House concurs with Senate amendments to concealed-carry reciprocity measure after debate on standards

The Utah House on Feb. 28 concurred with Senate amendments to third substitute House Bill 376, a measure addressing concealed-carry reciprocity that includes a provision allowing nonresidents with an out-of-state permit to be in Utah for up to 60 days without obtaining a Utah permit.

Representative Donaldson, explaining concurrence, said the Senate amendments permit nonresidents to be present for 60 days without obtaining a Utah permit, and after that period they must obtain a Utah permit. Members asked whether standards from other states were equal or inferior to Utah's, and whether exemptions would create a double standard for Utah permit holders. Representative Cox urged colleagues not to concur, warning that recognizing permits from states with lower background-check or training standards could create a two-tier system disadvantaging Utah permittees.

Supporters noted the long-standing residency mobility of many workers and citizens who travel between states and argued reciprocity is workable; opponents emphasized concerns about varying background-check practices and training standards. After debate and a previous-question vote, the House concurred and passed third substitute HB376 by a recorded vote of 53 yes and 18 no; the bill will return to the Senate for further consideration.